New GOP elections commissioner to be named in Suffolk

Suffolk Republican Chairman John Jay LaValle is preparing to name a new GOP elections commissioner after 34-year election veteran Cathy Richter Geier left the $131,000-a-year post. Geier, whose term was to end Dec. 31, retired.

GOP Deputy Commissioner Wayne Rogers of Brookhaven, once chief labor adviser to former Islip Supervisor Peter McGowan, serves in the interim. LaValle said party leaders could choose an appointee as early as this week. Sources call Rogers a heavy favorite with David Reilly, a lawyer from Northport, another contender. Insiders say Smithtown GOP leader Bill Ellis seeks to succeed Rogers as deputy. Party leaders recommend commissioners to county lawmakers for four-year terms.

- Rick Brand